Exerciser band usage tracking device attachment and method

Abstract

An interconnect module for use on a resistance band exercise device. The module can include one or more electronic transducers for tracking motions of the resistance band during exercises. The module can communicate wirelessly with a user's mobile phone running an app which monitors and directs usage. The module can include a pair of matable subsections. A base unit subsection can house the electronics while a band unit subsection can attach to an end of a resistance band. The subsections can quickly attach and detach from one another using a simple twisting motion. Additional second subsections can attach to different resistance bands thereby allowing adjustment of the exercise device properties by swapping out bands.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to systems and methods for exercise, and more specifically to exercise equipment utilizing resilient tensioning bands.

BACKGROUND

Exercise equipment has long used resilient tensioning bands such as elastic resistance bands to provide resistance to the various motions of a user's body during exercise. One or more tensioning bands can be attached between end effectors such as handles or stationary equipment to resist separation between those effectors. For example, a single rope-like linear spring resilient tensioning band can attach at one end to a fixed floor apparatus such as the leg of a chair, and at the opposite end to a handle. Such equipment can then be used by a seated user to perform biceps curls.

Different users and different exercises often require the adjustment of the amount of tension provided by the equipment. For example, in order to increase the tension, a user may add one or more additional tensioning bands, or swap out a less stiff band for a more stiff band. In other words, a band having a lower spring constant can be swapped for a band having a higher spring constant.

The need for the rapid swapping of bands has lead to the development of various commonly used mounting mechanisms. One such mounting mechanism is a pull-beam mechanism using a steel column having a distal flared flange. The proximal end of the column is secured to a module which in-turn secures to one end of a tensioning band. The opposite end of the band can attach to a second similar module having a similar mount.

It has been found that tracking the exercises performed can help lead to more efficient use of the time dedicated to exercise, and thereby improve fitness more rapidly. Parameters such as tension, duration, number of repetitions (aka “reps”), time between exercises, etc. can be recorded and analyzed to inform changes in exercise routines.

Various devices have been proposed to track the use of exercise equipment. For example, Niedrich, U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,649, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a resistance band-based exerciser that includes an electronic monitor for tracking various parameters during use such as a subject's heart rate, body temperature, or other bodily functions and a display for providing a sensible indicia of that function (see column 4, line 15-40).

Many individuals have musculature that is disproportionately strong on one side versus the other. For example, a person's favored right arm muscles may be stronger than their left arm muscles. It has been found that having better symmetry of musculature tone and strength provides better and more appealing fitness.

Portable electronic devices are often powered by batteries having a limited supply of energy. Devices which help to minimize the powering the device during times of non-use can therefore extend the life of batteries avoiding waste and downtime during battery replacement.

Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus which addresses one or more of the above identified inadequacies.

SUMMARY

The principal and secondary objects of the invention are to provide an improved resistance band exercise device.

These and other objects are achieved by a resistance band device including an end module comprising a quick release housing, or an onboard electronic tracking monitor, or an automatic powering and de-powering mechanism.

The original text of the original claims is incorporated herein by reference as describing features in some embodiments.

In some embodiments there is provided a resistance band exercise device comprises: an interconnect module comprising: a base unit; a resistance band having a first end; a band unit secured to said first end; and, a fastening mechanism releasably securing said band unit to said base unit.

In some embodiments said fastening mechanism allows relative manipulation of said band unit with respect to said base unit between a locked condition and an unlocked condition.

In some embodiments said base unit comprises: a substantially cylindrical receptacle extending along a first axis.

In some embodiments said band unit comprises: a substantially cylindrical post extending along a second axis; wherein said post is substantially commensurate with said receptacle.

In some embodiments said first and second axes are substantially aligned when said locking mechanism is in a locked condition.

In some embodiments post is manipulatable within said receptacle between said locked condition and an unlocked condition.

In some embodiments axial movement of said post with respect to said receptacle is prevented when said mechanism is in said locked condition.

In some embodiments said post rotates an angle within said receptacle between said locked condition and said unlocked condition.

In some embodiments said angle is between 60 and 120 degrees.

In some embodiments aid angle is approximately 90 degrees.

In some embodiments said fastening mechanism comprises at least one pair of tongues extending from one of said post and receptacle and at least one pair of channels formed on the other of said post and receptacle.

In some embodiments said device further comprises a pair of radial channels shaped and dimensioned to allow angular movement of said tongues therethrough between said locked and unlocked conditions.

In some embodiments said tongues bear against said channels while said mechanism is in said locked condition.

In some embodiments a first of said tongues comprises: an arcuate extension having a fixed end and a free end; an isthmus radially connecting said fixed end to said post; whereby said extension is cantileveredly supported by said isthmus.

In some embodiments said device further comprises: a battery; at least one electronic transducer; a wireless communication transceiver; a microprocessor interpreting an output of said transducer to determine an on/off status for supplying power from said battery to said wireless communication transceiver.

In some embodiments said at least one electronic transducer comprises a load cell which outputs a data stream responsive to changes in an axial tension on said band.

In some embodiments there is provided a method for adjusting the tension on an exerciser, said method comprising: selecting a resistance band device having an interconnect module comprising: a base unit; a first band unit attached to a first resistance band having a first stiffness; a connector releasably securing said first band unit to said base unit; selecting a second band unit secured to a second resistance band having a second stiffness different from said first stiffness; connecting said base unit to a fixture; disconnecting said first band unit from said base unit while said base unit remains connected to said fixture; and, connecting said second band unit to said base unit while said base unit remains connected to said fixture.

In some embodiments said disconnecting comprises: twisting said first band unit approximately 90 degrees with respect to said base unit; axially separating said first band unit from said base unit; and, said connecting said second band unit comprises: axially inserting said second band unit into a receptacle in said base unit; and, twisting said second band unit approximately 90 degrees with respect to said base unit.

The original text of the original claims is incorporated herein by reference as describing features in some embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a resistance band exercise device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an interconnect module in its locked configuration.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an interconnect module in its unlocked configuration.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a band unit and band.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of a band unit of an interconnect module.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic underside perspective view of a base unit of an interconnect module.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an interconnect module in the unlocked configuration.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an interconnect module in the locked configuration.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of an interconnect module including an onboard electronic monitor and a wirelessly connected mobile phone.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of user engaging in an exercise session using a symmetric muscle improvement routine.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart diagram of a symmetric muscle improvement software routine.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a mobile phone display for an app monitoring the use of a pair of wirelessly connected resistance band exercises devices.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart diagram of a method for adjusting the spring constant of a resistance band exercise device while it remains attached to a fixture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In this specification, the references to top, bottom, upward, downward, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, sideways, lateral, back, front, proximal, distal, etc. can be used to provide a clear frame of reference for the various structures with respect to other structures usually as oriented in the referenced drawing. These references should not be treated as absolutes when the frame of reference is changed, such as when an object is inverted, shown on its side, or disassembled.

If used in this specification, the term “substantially” can be used with respect to manufacturing imprecision and inaccuracies that can lead to non-symmetricity and other inexactitudes in the shape, dimensioning, orientation, and positioning of various structures. Further, use of “substantially” in connection with certain geometrical shapes and orientations, such as “parallel” and “perpendicular”, can be given as a guide to generally describe the function of various structures, and to allow for slight departures from exact mathematical geometrical shapes, such as cylinders, disks and cones, and their orientations, while providing adequately similar function. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the degree to which a departure can be made from the mathematically exact geometrical references.

If used in this specification, the word “axial” is meant to refer to directions, movement, or forces acting substantially parallel with or along a respective axis, and not to refer to rotational nor radial nor angular directions, movement or forces, nor torsional forces.

In this specification, the units “millimeter” or “millimeters” can be abbreviated “mm”, “centimeter” or “centimeters” can be abbreviated “cm”.

Referring now to the drawing, there is shown in FIGS. 1-7 a resistance band exercise device 1 including an interconnect module 10 secured to an end 21 of a rope-like linear spring resilient tensioning band 20. Acceptable resistance bands are commercially available from many manufacturers. One such resistance band is sold under the brand name Bodylastics from the Anazao Fitness Gear company of Denver, Colorado. The module can include a mount 15 for connecting the module to a fastener such as a carabiner 40 for quick release attachment to a handle 30 or other end effector manipulatable by a user. The opposite end 22 of the band can secure to a holder module 25 which can include its own mount for connecting to a quick release fastener such as another carabiner 41.

As shown primarily in FIGS. 2-3, the interconnect module 10 can include can include a pair of matable subsections namely a band unit 50 and a base unit 60. The band unit can secure to the band 20 and can securely attach to and detach from a base unit 60. This allows a different band having a similar band unit to be attached to the base unit. In this way the resistance of the exercise device can be changed without changing the base unit or detaching the base unit from its end effector.

A fastening mechanism 70 can be provided to allow the band unit 50 to be attached and detached from the base unit 60 rapidly. The interconnect module 10 can be said to be in a locked configuration as shown in FIG. 2 when the band unit is mounted to the base unit in such a way that forces along an attachment axis 6 will not separate the units from one another. The module can be said to be in a unlocked configuration when the band unit is mounted to the base unit in such a way that axial forces will separate the units from one another as shown in FIG. 3. Transitioning between the locked and the unlocked configurations can be accomplished in this embodiment by rotation 7 of the band unit with respect to the base unit. Rotating the band unit 90 degrees in an unscrewing direction from that shown in FIG. 2 will result in transitioning from the locked to the unlocked configuration. Rotating the band unit in the opposite direction while the band unit is fully axially engaged with the base unit will result in the module transitioning from the unlocked to the locked configuration.

FIG. 4 shows that the tensioning band 20 can securely attach to the band unit 50 by way of a radially enlarged ferrule 26 crimped to the end 21 of the band. The ferrule can be intimately retained within a seat 51 (shown most clearly in FIG. 5) formed internally within the band unit. A hole 52 (shown most clearly in FIG. 7) can extend from the seat out of the band unit through which the band passes. The radially undersized hole prevents passage of the ferrule therethrough. Alternately, a knot can be formed at the end of the band to prevent passage through the hole without using the ferrule.

As shown primarily in FIGS. 5-8, the fastening mechanism 70 that securely and releasably fastens together the base unit 60 and the band unit 50 can include a substantially cylindrical post 71 extending along a first axis 58 away from the band unit in a direction substantially opposite the direction which the band 20 extends from the band unit. The post can attach to the housing 55 of band unit at a proximal end 72 using a pair of screws 69.

The diameter of the post 71 can be selected so that it can intimately engage a corresponding receptacle 61 extending along a second axis 59 formed in the base unit 60. The post 71 can include a symmetrical pair of radially extending cantilevered arcuate tongues 74a,74b extending radially outwardly near a distal end 73 of the post. Each tongue can have an arcuate cantilevered extension having a fixed end 75 connected to the post by an isthmus 76, and a free end 77. A detenting cavity 78 can be set into the undersurface 79 of each tongue near its free end. The tongues can be shaped and dimensioned to axially engage corresponding axial grooves 62a,62b extending radially and axially in the receptacle. This allows the post to move freely in an axial manner with respect to the receptacle when the tongues are aligned with the grooves and the two axes 58,59 are in alignment.

A ledge structure 65 in the form of a pair of diametrically opposite channels including shelves 66 at a distal end of the receptacle 61 can be engaged by the tongues 74a,74b by twisting the band unit 50 approximately 90 degrees with respect to the base unit 60. Once twisted, axial movement of the post 71 with respect to the receptacle can be prevented by the tongues bearing against the shelves. Vertical walls 67 acting as angular end-stops prevent the tongues from moving angularly beyond the 90 degrees. Each shelf can include an axial detenting bump 68 onto which the corresponding cavity 78 can nest when the module is in the locked configuration. Engaging and disengaging the bump and the cavity causes a slight resilient deflection of each cantilevered tongue which increases the rotational friction between the post and receptacle which can help prevent the inadvertent twisting of the band unit with respect to the base unit, thereby avoiding unwanted detachment.

The diameter of the post 71 can be smaller than the cross-sectional of the base unit 60 taken perpendicular to the axis. In this way the fastening mechanism 70 can be completely obscured by the mated band unit 50 and base unit. Further, the housing of the band and base units can be adapted so that in the locked configuration the mated units create a module having a smooth and continuous outer surface. In addition to an aesthetically pleasing appearance the smooth outer surface of the mated module can help prevent snags during use, which can also help prevent inadvertent detachment of the band unit from the base unit.

Although the angle of twist is preferably substantially 90 degrees so the user is readily familiar with the respective angular orientations of the base and band units which indicate the proper locked and unlocked configurations, the module can use an angle of between about 60 and 120 degrees. It shall be understood that the views shown in FIGS. 8-9 are not exact planar cross-sections and are adjust slightly to show the operation of the respective structures rather than depicting exact mechanical renderings.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of the interconnect module 100 can house an electronic monitor for tracking usage parameters such as the number of reps and their duration taken at various band tension settings. The monitor can be housed within the interconnect module housing which can be manufactured in two hollow halves 101,102 which can be mated to one another using a number of fasteners such as bolts 103 engaging nuts 104. Inside the housing, internal structures such as those commonly used in the electronic component housing arts mount the components of the monitor including an electronic circuit board 120 which can be mounted to a ruggedizing harness 130 by screw fasteners 131. The circuit board can carry a microprocessor 121, onboard memory 122, a wireless communication transceiver 123 as part of a wireless communication subsystem, an accelerometer 124 and other electronic devices and subsystems for carrying out the operations of the tracking monitor.

The monitor can detect usage of the exercise device though tracking the output of a load cell 140 or other electronic transducer. The load cell can be a common commercially available half-bridge type strain gauge transducer which senses the strain on the half-bridge and outputs an electrical signal to the circuit board 120 to be recorded by the microprocessor 121 indicating the tension on the band. The load cell can be firmly mechanically connected to the mount 141 using a pair of bolts 142 which mechanically connects the interconnect module to an end effector such as a handle. A stop washer 143, low friction disk bearing 144 can be secured to the mount using a snap clip 145. The microprocessor, load cell, and wireless communication subsystem can be powered by an onboard battery 150 carried within the base unit of the interconnect module housing. Metallic contacts 151,152 electrically connect the battery to the circuit board

The microprocessor 121 can be programmed to carry out many of the functions of the tracking monitor. For example, the programming can record the output of the load cell over time to generate a record of the exercises performed. This data can be further processed and analyzed to determine many parameters characterizing the exercise. The number of reps, the duration, the amount of tension achieved and for how long for each rep, and whether muscles were exhibiting fatigue through tremors which show up in slight variations of tension can all be recorded or generated by the microprocessor. Alternately, a data stream including the time series of the tension can be transmitted wirelessly using the on board wireless communication transceiver 123 to an outboard computer such as a mobile phone 170 using a standard wireless communication protocol 172 such as the Bluetooth brand protocol available from Bluetooth SIG, Inc. of Kirkland, Washington. The phone can run an app 171 which receives the data via the protocol 172, can undertake further processing, has access to various databases that can further enhance the analysis of the data, and provide a graphical display to the user.

In addition, the microprocessor can be programmed to maintain an extended life of the battery 150, by automatically depowering the wireless communication subsystem 123 and other subsystems after a predetermined time period of inactivity. A significant detected change in the output of the load cell can cause the microprocessor to repower those subsystems. In this way the tracking monitor on board the base unit of the interconnect module of the resistance band exercise device can operate months or even years without replacement of the battery and in absence of any separate powering cable. It shall be noted that an optional universal serial bus (USB)-type jack 125 can be provided to provide recharge for the battery.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, a pair of resistance band exercise devices 191,192 of the type previously described can be used by a user 190 to conduct a muscle symmetry enhancing set of exercises. By way of example, the user can conduct exercises for improving the biceps muscle symmetry. However, similar sets of exercises can be calculated and conducted for different muscle groups.

Each resistance band exercise device 191,192 can include an interconnect module having an onboard electronic usage tracking monitor which communicates wirelessly 172 to a mobile phone device 170 running an app 171 which can receive and process the data transmitted by each monitor.

The app 171 can include a software routine 180 which assesses whether the user has a symmetry imbalance in a particular muscle group 181. This can be accomplished by accessing a database record for the user or running a testing routine which, for example, can be as simple as measuring the number of reps a user can perform with each arm until fatigue prevents further reps. If no imbalance exists in a particular muscle group the software routine moves on to the next muscle group 182. If an imbalance does exist an exercise plan for that muscle group is calculated and stored in the user's database 183. This can include directions to conduct additional reps for the weaker arm.

Once the assessment and calculations for all the muscle groups is completed 184 and the exercise plan finalized the system can prompt the user to conduct the appropriate exercises 185 for that particular session. This can include a graphical display 173 on the user's mobile phone 170 indicating various settings, exercise parameters, and instructions. For example, the display can include an indication of the particular muscle group being currently targeted 174 and an indication whether muscle symmetry correction is in effect 175. Further indications can inform the user regarding the next upcoming set of reps. For example, as shown, the next set of reps is to be conducted only with the right arm using a particular resistance band stiffness 176. The number of reps, recovery time between sets, and time remaining until the next set is to begin can also be indicated 177. In some circumstances the user is allowed to adjust various parameters 178 which the program notes and updates the exercise routine accordingly. For example, the user may be particularly sore that day and desires to reduce the number of reps and/or increase the recovery time. The exercise plan can then be updated for future days in response to the user manipulated settings. The display can also provide information regarding the total volume of pounds lifted, the total time under tension, total energy burned, as well as user information the current date and time, the duration of the exercises performed this session, and the user's name 179.

Once an exercise session is completed the software routine can await the next session after the user has recovered 186. If the exercise plan to improve the muscle group symmetry is complete 187 the software routine can return 188 to do a further assessment, otherwise the next session can be attempted 185.

It shall be noted that many of the calculations can be adapted to take advantage of machine learning. For example, slight variations in the performance of a particular user may indicate injury, illness or other conditions that can be addressed in the exercise planning. In addition, minor fluctuations in the tension may indicate that the user is using their left arm instead of their right arm. In this way a single resistance band device can be used to exercise both arms and conduct muscle symmetry enhancing exercise routines because the tracking monitor and analysis app can sense which arm is being used.

It shall be understood that the various subsystems of the exercise tracking and analysis system 90 can be operated in a stand-alone manner or in combination with one or more other subsystems in order to provide an enhanced exercise tracking and analysis experience for the user or training coach.

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart diagram of a user exercise method 200 using the above-described resistance band exercise device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The method includes selecting 201 a resistance band device having an interconnect module that includes a base unit and a first band unit attached to a first resistance band having a first stiffness. A connector can releasably secure the first band unit to the base unit. A second band unit can be selected 202 that is secured to a second resistance band having a second stiffness different from the first stiffness. In other words, the second band unit has a band the has a different spring constant than the first band.

The base unit can then be connected 203 to a fixture. While the base unit remains connected to the fixture, the first band unit can be disconnected 204 from the base unit. Then the second band unit can be connected 205 to the base unit while it remains attached to the fixture. In this way, the spring constant of the band can be adjusted while the resistance band exercise device is attached to a fixture or other end effector.

The disconnecting of the first band unit from the base unit can include twisting the first band unit approximately 90 degrees with respect to the base unit before axially separating them. The reconnecting of the second band unit to the base unit can include axially fully inserting the second band unit into a receptacle in the base unit before twisting the second band unit approximately 90 degrees with respect to the base unit.

While the exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that modifications can be made and other embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A resistance band exercise device comprises: an interconnect module comprising: a base unit;a resistance band having a first end;a band unit secured to said first end; and,a fastening mechanism releasably securing said band unit to said base unit.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said fastening mechanism allows relative manipulation of said band unit with respect to said base unit between a locked condition and an unlocked condition.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said base unit comprises: a substantially cylindrical receptacle extending along a first axis.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said band unit comprises: a substantially cylindrical post extending along a second axis;wherein said post is substantially commensurate with said receptacle.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said first and second axes are substantially aligned when said locking mechanism is in a locked condition.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said post is manipulatable within said receptacle between said locked condition and an unlocked condition.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein axial movement of said post with respect to said receptacle is prevented when said mechanism is in said locked condition.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said post rotates an angle within said receptacle between said locked condition and said unlocked condition.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said angle is between 60 and 120 degrees.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein said angle is approximately 90 degrees.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein said fastening mechanism comprises at least one pair of tongues extending from one of said post and receptacle and at least one pair of channels formed on the other of said post and receptacle.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said device further comprises a pair of radial channels shaped and dimensioned to allow angular movement of said tongues therethrough between said locked and unlocked conditions.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said tongues bear against said channels while said mechanism is in said locked condition.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein a first of said tongues comprises: an arcuate extension having a fixed end and a free end;an isthmus radially connecting said fixed end to said post;whereby said extension is cantileveredly supported by said isthmus.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein said device further comprises: a battery;at least one electronic transducer;a wireless communication transceiver;a microprocessor interpreting an output of said transducer to determine an on/off status for supplying power from said battery to said wireless communication transceiver.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said at least one electronic transducer comprises a load cell which outputs a data stream responsive to changes in an axial tension on said band.

17. A method for adjusting the tension on an exerciser, said method comprising: selecting a resistance band device having an interconnect module comprising: a base unit;a first band unit attached to a first resistance band having a first stiffness;a connector releasably securing said first band unit to said base unit;selecting a second band unit secured to a second resistance band having a second stiffness different from said first stiffness;connecting said base unit to a fixture;disconnecting said first band unit from said base unit while said base unit remains connected to said fixture; and,connecting said second band unit to said base unit while said base unit remains connected to said fixture.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said disconnecting comprises: twisting said first band unit approximately 90 degrees with respect to said base unit;axially separating said first band unit from said base unit; and,wherein said connecting said second band unit comprises:axially inserting said second band unit into a receptacle in said base unit; and,twisting said second band unit approximately 90 degrees with respect to said base unit.